GUIDANCE DIAMOND SHAPES OLD CUT

From the early 18th century to the late 19th century, the old mine cut was perhaps the most common diamond cut and the cut you’ll most often find in Georgian (1714-1837) and Victorian era (1837 - 1901) The ‘Brilliant’ cut is the modern version of this antique cut. This has an eminent girdle with a cushion-shape. It also has a large culet, deep pavilion, small table and high crown.

Some confusion surrounds the term “old mine cut,” especially as the term has evolved over the years. It probably came into common use around the late 1800s, at a time when diamond production from Africa began to eclipse production from the “old mines” of Brazil and even older mines of India. “Old mine cut,” originally meant any “brilliant,” cut squarish shape, colourless or near-colourless diamonds that originated in Brazil or India. Then, as African mines began producing diamonds of higher colour quality, the term old mine cut was applied to any diamond with exceptional colour and one that had the older style cut. Eventually, old mine cut was applied only to squarish-shaped diamonds with faceting arrangements that were popular beginning in the early 1700.

Often seen in jewellery from the Georgian and Victorian eras, old mine cut diamonds are similar to a modern day cushion cut. Perfect for the one-of-a-kind jewellery old mine cut offer uniqueness.